Launch owners were set to join the nationwide transport strike from 12pm on Saturday if their fares were not raised.
The decision was taken at a meeting between launch owners on Friday afternoon, according to Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Passenger Carriers Association Chairman Mahbub Uddin Ahmed.
On Wednesday, the government increased diesel and kerosene prices by Tk15 per litre — from Tk65 to Tk80— in order to keep them in line with rising fuel prices in the global market.
The move prompted the leaders of different cargo and public transport associations across Bangladesh to stop operating vehicles until new fares are announced or the price hikes are revised by the authorities.
Government high ups have urged transport sector leaders to withdraw the strike, but they were yet to be moved.
Students seeking admission to colleges affiliated with Dhaka University were particularly affected by the strikes, with many of them unable to find ways to get to exam halls.
Officials concerned expressed fear that if the strike continues, it would create a container backlog at Chittagong port and traders would face financial losses.
